KINDHEARTED fundraisers are pulling together to help a brave young cancer sufferer.

Between 25 and 30 men are set to drag a van five miles around Thornaby this Sunday, collecting money for local youngster Corey Duncan.

The 13-year-old suffers from renal cell carcinoma, a form of kidney cancer which usually affects only adults.

Members of Mandale Pub football team, Dave Poole and Ian Murray, organised the event. They hope residents will come out to show their support on the route and donate to the fund which will help pay for Corey to go on a dream holiday to Florida.

Corey’s parents Annette and Craig were crushed when their son was diagnosed with the condition in March this year.

“It was a major blow,” said his mum Annette, 39. “He had been feeling tired and wasn’t eating properly then he developed a lump on his neck.

“A CT scan showed a very large tumour and the cancer had already spread to his lymph glands.”

Corey, a pupil at St Patrick’s School in Thornaby, underwent a major operation to remove his affected kidney in April and he then received a course of chemotherapy.

“He didn’t like it but he gritted his teeth,” said mum Annette.

“He’s been fantastic, coped much better than me and his dad. He has been down at times and he’s still sick every day but the new tablets seem to be helping and he’s got more energy and is more like himself.”

Corey has two sisters, Reanne, 17, and Ainsley, 12.

“They’ve been really good trying to keep him busy,” said Annette, who works at Tetley’s as a production operator.

“Everyone’s been really good. Family friends and work colleagues have been raising money and showing their support and we would like to thank them all.”

The van pull is being launched at 10am at the Oddfellows pub in Mandale, Thornaby. It will travel along Millbank Lane, Mitchell Avenue, Acklam Road, Lanehouse Road and Thornaby Road.

Anyone who would like to help the cause can donate on the day or call Ian on 07970 072245.